Display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A display module for displaying at least one item, the display module comprising a frame defining first, second, third and fourth sides and an interior therebetween. Each of the first, second, third and fourth sides defines at least one aperture. The module comprises a backing member attached to the frame. The backing member defines first and second sides, wherein the at least one item is positioned on the first side of the backing member such that the at least one item is displayed through the interior of the frame when the backing member is attached to the frame. The module also comprises at least four bungs structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures in the first, second, third and fourth sides of the frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a display apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for displaying items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Collectors of memorabilia items, such as event credentials; membership forms, cards or tickets; season tickets; autographs; artistic works, including, without limitation, literary works, pictures, photographs, drawings, paintings, etc.; and other items of memorabilia, art and similar keepsakes (collectively referred to herein as“items” or “memorabilia items”) often times wish to display the items in an office or home. Such displays can include display cabinets, individual picture frames, etc. However, it can be difficult to justify the expense associated with a display cabinet or case when beginning a collection of memorabilia items. In addition, once the collector fills the display cabinet or case with items the collector must purchase a larger, more expensive cabinet or case and then store or otherwise dispose of the cabinet or case that is being replaced. Similarly, it can be difficult and expensive to add memorabilia items to picture frames as new items are obtained because customized matting is often used with picture frames and/or the space limitations within the interior of the frame. If the collector chooses to hang additional picture frames, it can be difficult to hang or otherwise arrange the frames in a symmetrical arrangement or otherwise associate the items together, particularly as more frames are added, without the mounting hardware damaging the wall or other vertical surface on which the picture frames are mounted.

Thus, there remains a need for a cost effective display apparatus for displaying memorabilia items. The display apparatus should enable the user to display one or more items together in a symmetrical arrangement, particularly items have a similar affinity theme. The display apparatus should also allow the user to easily and economically add to an existing display so as to maintain the symmetrical arrangement, but without resulting in any undue damage to any existing structures (such as walls or other vertical surfaces) in the display area.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a display apparatus comprising a plurality of display modules for displaying items on a vertical surface. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display module comprises a frame defining first, second, third and fourth sides and an interior therebetween, each of the first, second, third and fourth sides defining at least one aperture. In one embodiment, the frame is formed from wood, plastic, or metal. The display modules include a backing member attached to the frame. The backing member defines first and second sides, wherein the at least one item is positioned on the first side of the backing member such that the at least one item is displayed through the interior of the frame when the backing member is attached to the frame. In one embodiment, the backing member is formed from paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal. In another embodiment, the display modules include matting positioned adjacent the first side of the backing member. In another embodiment, the matting comprises an affinity theme corresponding to the at least one item. In yet another embodiment, the matting is secured to the backing member. The display modules include at least four bungs structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures in the first, second, third and fourth sides of the frame. In one embodiment, the display modules further comprise a pane that is structured to be positioned between the backing member and the frame when the backing member is attached to the frame such that the pane covers the at least one item positioned on the first side of the backing member when the at least one item is displayed through the interior of the frame. In another embodiment, the pane is formed from a material that is transparent or translucent.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display apparatus comprises a plurality of display modules, each display module comprising a frame, the frame defining first, second, third and fourth sides and an interior therebetween. Each of the first, second, third and fourth sides defines at least one aperture. Each display module comprises a backing member attached to the frame. The backing member defines first and second sides. At least one item can be positioned on the first side of the backing member such that the at least one item is displayed through the interior of the frame when the backing member is attached to the frame. At least one of said display modules is structured to be mounted on the vertical surface. The display apparatus comprises at least one connector. The at least one connector defines first and second ends. The first end of the at least one connector is structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures defined in the first, second, third or fourth sides of the frame of one of the plurality of display modules. The second end of the at least one connector is structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures defined in the first, second, third or fourth sides of the frame of another of the plurality of display modules such that the plurality of display modules will hang symmetrically when the at least one display module is mounted on the vertical surface. In one embodiment, each display module comprises a pane, the pane being structured to be positioned between the backing member and the frame when the backing member is attached to the frame such that the pane covers the at least one item positioned on the first side of the backing member when the at least one item is displayed through the interior of the frame. In another embodiment, each display module comprises a bung for each of the apertures defined in the first, second, third and fourth sides of the frame that does not receive a corresponding one of the first or second ends of the at least one connector. In yet another embodiment, the at least one connector comprises a chain. In still another embodiment, the first and second ends of the at least one connector comprises a hook having a threaded portion structured to threadably engage the corresponding aperture.

According to yet another embodiment, the display apparatus comprises a plurality of display modules, each display module comprising a frame. The frame defines first, second, third and fourth sides and an interior therebetween. Each of the first, second, third and fourth sides defines at least one aperture. Each display module includes a backing member attached to the frame. The backing member defines first and second sides, wherein at least one item can be positioned on the first side of the backing member such that the at least one item is displayed through the interior of the frame when the c backing member is attached to the frame. Each display modules includes a pane structured to be positioned between the backing member and the frame when the backing member is attached to the frame such that the pane covers the at least one item positioned on the first side of the backing member when the at least one item is displayed through the interior of the frame. At least one of said display modules is structured to be mounted on the vertical surface. The display apparatus includes a plurality of connectors. Each of the plurality of connectors defines first and second ends. The first end of each of the plurality of connectors is structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures defined in the first, second, third or fourth sides of the frame of one of the display modules. The second end of each of the plurality of connectors is structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures defined in the first, second, third or fourth sides of the frame of another display module such that the plurality of display modules will hang symmetrically when the at least one display modules is mounted on the vertical surface. Each display module includes a plurality of bungs. The bungs are structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures defined in the first, second, third and fourth sides of the frame that does not receive a corresponding one of the first or second ends of the at least one connector.

Thus, there is provided a cost effective display apparatus for displaying memorabilia items. The display apparatus enables the user to display one or more items together in a symmetrical arrangement, particularly items have a similar affinity theme. The display apparatus also allows the user to easily and economically add to an existing display so as to maintain the symmetrical arrangement, but without resulting in any undue damage to any existing structures (such as walls or other vertical surfaces) in the display area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus for displaying memorabilia items, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the backing member, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the item being position on the backing member, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a display apparatus 10 for displaying one or more memorabilia items 12. The display apparatus 10 includes one or more display modules 11. When more than one display module 11 is used, the display apparatus 10 includes at least one connector 28 to connect the adjacent display modules together. Each display module 11 includes a frame 14, backing member 16 and bungs 18. The dimensions of the frame 14 can vary depending on the number and dimensions of the memorabilia items 12 to be displayed. The frame 14 defines first, second, third and fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d and an interior 15 therebetween. Each of the first, second, third and fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of the frame 14 defines at least one aperture 20. The frame 14 can be formed of a variety of material, including, for purposes of example only and not limitation, wood, plastic, metal, foam, plaster, etc., and can be provided with a variety of finishes and colors, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The first, second, third and/or fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of the frame 14 can be formed integrally together or can be formed as separate components and then joined together using an adhesive or other bonding agent or mechanical fasteners, such as nails, screws, etc. The frame 14 can be provided with hardware (not shown) for mounting the display apparatus 10 on a wall or other vertical surface, such as hangers, hanging wire and fasteners, etc., as is well known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment (not shown), an easel-type support member can be secured to the frame 14 so that an individual display module can be positioned on a horizontal surface, such as a table, desk or shelf.

The backing member 16 is attached to the frame 14 using an adhesive or other bonding agent or mechanical fasteners, such as nails, turnbuttons, hinges, staples, screws, etc. The backing member 16 defines first and second sides 16 a, 16 b. At least one item 12 is positioned on the first side 16 a of the backing member 16 such that the at least one item is displayed through the interior 15 of the frame 14 when the backing member is attached to the frame. In one embodiment, double sided adhesive tape (not shown) can be positioned between the first side 16 a of the backing member 16 and the item(s) positioned adjacent thereto to secure the item(s) to the first side of the backing member. The backing member 16 can formed from a variety of materials, including, for purposes of example only and not limitation, paper, cloth, foam, cardboard, wood, plastic, metal, etc., provided the backing member is relatively rigid or stiff so as to support the item 12 without bending or bowing. In one embodiment, the backing member 16, or at least the portions of the first side 16 a of the backing member in contact with the item(s), is constructed of an acid-free material. Hardware (not shown) for mounting the display module 11 on a wall or other vertical surface, such as hangers, hanging wire and fasteners, etc., can be attached to the second side 16 b of the backing member 16 or, alternatively, as discussed above, such hardware can be attached to the frame 14. In another embodiment (not shown), an easel-type support member can be secured to the second side 16 b of the backing member 16 so that an individual display module can be positioned on a horizontal surface, such as a table, desk or shelf, or, alternatively, as discussed above, the support member can be attached to the frame 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the backing member 16 can include a base portion 17 a and a door 17 b. The door 17 b can be formed in the base portion 17 a by making three cuts into the base portion, which correspond to three sides of the door, with the fourth side of the door remaining attached to the base portion to thereby form a hinge 19. Alternatively, the door 17 b can be formed by making four cuts into the base portion 17 a and attaching the door to the base portion using one or more hinges (not shown) that are attached to the door and base portion using fasteners, as is known in the art. To prevent the door 17 b from opening, one or more turnbuttons 21 can be attached to the base portion 17 a.

The display component 11 includes bungs 18 structured to be received within (i.e., have dimensions corresponding to) a corresponding one of the apertures 20 in the first, second, third and fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of the frame 14. The bungs 18 can formed from a variety of materials, including, for purposes of example only and not limitation, wood, plastic, metal, foam, plaster, etc., provided the bungs have a finish and color substantially the same as the finish and color of the first, second, third or fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of the frame 14 defining the corresponding aperture 20 so as to be relatively inconspicuous. In one embodiment, the bungs 18 and corresponding apertures 20 are threaded so that the bungs can be threaded into the apertures. In another embodiment, the bungs 18 are structured to have a friction or pressure fit within the corresponding aperture 20. In still another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, sleeves 23 can be inserted into the apertures, wherein the sleeves have a threaded internal bore that is structured to receive a corresponding bung 18. The threaded internal bore of the sleeve 23 can receive a threaded bung 18 or receive an unthreaded bung structured to have a friction or pressure fit within the internal bore of the sleeve. The sleeves 23 are preferable constructed of metal or plastic.

In one embodiment, the display component 11 further includes a pane 22 that is structured to be positioned at least partially between the backing member 16 and the frame 14 when the backing member is attached to the frame such that the pane covers the at least one item 12 attached to the first side 16 a of the backing member when the at least one item is displayed through the interior 15 of the frame. The pane 22 can be formed of a variety of materials, including, for purposes of example only and not limitation, glass or plastic. The pane 22 should be transparent or translucent so that the item 12 can be seen through the pane. Although inclusion of the pane 22 is not required, the pane advantageously provides a protective layer that covers the item 12 inhibits ambient environmental conditions (such as smoke, dust, moisture, etc.) from damaging the item. In one embodiment, the pane 22 can be constructed of a material or provided with a film to inhibit UV light from damaging the item 12, as is known to those skilled in the art.

For embodiments including the pane 22, the first side 16 a of the backing member 16 can be provided with an indented area having dimensions corresponding to the item 12 to be displayed and a depth sufficient to prevent the item from coming into contact with the pane when the item is placed within the indentation and the backing member is attached to the frame 14. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the backing member 16 can include a matting 24. The matting 24 can be formed of a variety of materials, such as paper, cloth, plastic, foam, cardboard, wood, plastic, metal, etc. The item 12, backing member 16, and matting 24 are arranged such that the item is placed on the first side 16 a of the backing member and then the matting is arranged around the item. For example, the matting 24 can include an aperture 26 having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the item 12 so that the item is displayed through the aperture 26 and the matting surrounds the item to thereby prevent the pane from contacting the item. Although not required, the matting 24 can be secured to the backing member 16, for example, using glue, an adhesive or other bonding agent, including tape.

In one embodiment, the matting 24 comprises an“affinity theme” corresponding to the at least one item 12. As used herein, an“affinity theme” include images, words, color motifs, and/or other indicia having an affinity, affiliation, or association with a person, group, team, club, membership, event, association, organization, etc., including, without limitation, a sports team, sports league, a musician or other musical entity, an entertainment personality, group or entity, a business or legal entity (such as a corporation (whether for-profit or not-for-profit), partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, limited partnership, etc.), etc. that is related to or associated with the memorabilia item 12.

As discussed above, at least one item 12 is positioned on the first side 16 a of the backing member 16 such that the at least one item is displayed through the interior 15 of the frame 14 when the backing member is attached to the frame. As used herein, “positioned on” can include attaching the item 12 to the first side 16 a of the backing member 16. For purposes of example only and not limitation, the item 12 can be attached to the first side 16 a of the backing member 16 using tape, glue, adhesive tabs, corner tabs, etc. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7,“positioned on” can include inserting one or more spacers 27 between the first side 16 a of the backing member 16 and the item 12 (and, in embodiments using a matting 24, the matting). The spacers 27 can be used to urge the item (and matting) toward the pane 22 so that the item does not move.

When using multiple display modules 11, the display apparatus 10 includes at least one connector 28 to connect each adjacent display module together. The at least one connector 28 defines first and second ends 28 a, 28 b. The first end 28 a of the at least one connector 28 is structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures 20 defined in the first, second, third or fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of a frame 14 of one of the display modules 11. The second end 28 b of the at least one connector 28 is structured to be received within a corresponding one of the apertures 20 defined in the first, second, third or fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of a frame 14 of another of the plurality of display modules 11 such that the plurality of display modules 11 will be disposed symmetrically. In this regard, preferably at least one of the display modules 11 is structured, as discussed above, to be mounted onto the wall or other vertical surface.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3-5, when this display module 10 is mounted to the wall, the other display modules will hang from the mounted display module via connectors 28 in a symmetrical arrangement. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second ends 28 a, 28 b of the connector 28 can comprise hooks 30 having threaded portions 32 structured to threadably engage the corresponding aperture 20 in the first, second, third or fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of the frame 14 or the sleeve 23 inserted into the aperture 20. The connector 28 can then comprise an elongate member, such as a chain, wire, string, leather strap, etc., that can be attached to the hook.

As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4, advantageously the display modules 11 can mounted such in the same orientation (for example, in FIG. 4 both display modules 41 are disposed in a portrait orientation—in other embodiments the orientation can be landscape) or in different orientations (for example, in FIG. 3 one display module is disposed in a portrait orientation 41 and two display modules 51 are disposed in a landscape orientation). In either case, the apertures 20 are preferably positioned along the corresponding first, second, third and fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d of the frames 14 such that the display modules 41, 51 connected together through the connectors 28 have the same vertical axis 60 regardless of the orientation of the display modules. As used herein,“symmetrically” or“symmetrical arrangement” refers to the overlap or superimposition of the vertical axes of the adjacent display modules. As used herein, and as illustrated in FIG. 5,“symmetrically” or“symmetrical arrangement” may also refer to other arrangements in which the vertical axes 80 of adjacent display modules 11 are not superimposed, but in which the vertical axes of at least two adjacent display modules having the same orientation are parallel. For example, in FIG. 5, all three display modules 51 have a landscape orientation and have parallel vertical axes 80

Thus, there is provided a cost effective display apparatus for displaying memorabilia items. The display apparatus enables the user to display one or more items together in a symmetrical arrangement, particularly items have a similar affinity theme. The display apparatus also allows the user to easily and economically add to an existing display so as to maintain the symmetrical arrangement, but without resulting in any undue damage to any existing structures (such as walls or other vertical surfaces) in the display area.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A display module for displaying at least one item, comprising: a frame defining first, second, third and fourth sides and an interior therebetween, each of said first, second, third and fourth sides defining at least one aperture; a backing member attached to the frame, said backing member defining first and second sides, wherein the at least one item is positioned on said first side of said backing member such that the at least one item is displayed through said interior of said frame when said backing member is attached to said frame; and at least four bungs structured to be received within a corresponding one of said apertures in said first, second, third and fourth sides of said frame.
 2. A display module as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pane, said pane being structured to be positioned between said backing member and said frame when said backing member is attached to said frame such that said pane covers the at least one item positioned on said first side of said backing member when the at least one item is displayed through said interior of said frame.
 3. A display module as recited in claim 2 wherein said pane is formed from a material that is transparent or translucent.
 4. A display module as recited in claim 1 wherein said frame is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, and metal.
 5. A display module as recited in claim 1 wherein said backing member is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, and metal.
 6. A display module as recited in claim 1 further comprising matting positioned adjacent said first side of said backing member.
 7. A display module as recited in claim 6 wherein said matting comprises an affinity theme corresponding to the at least one item.
 8. A display module as recited in claim 6 wherein said matting is secured to said backing member.
 9. An apparatus for displaying items on a vertical surface, comprising: a plurality of display modules, each of said display modules comprising: a frame, said frame defining first, second, third and fourth sides and an interior therebetween, each of said first, second, third and fourth sides defining at least one aperture; and a backing member, said backing member being attached to said frame, said backing member defining first and second sides, wherein at least one item can be positioned on said first side of said backing member such that the at least one item is displayed through said interior of said frame when said backing member is attached to said frame; wherein at least one of said display modules is structured to be mounted on the vertical surface; and at least one connector, said at least one connector defining first and second ends, said first end of said at least one connector being structured to be received within a corresponding one of said apertures defined in said first, second, third or fourth sides of said frame of one of said plurality of display modules, said second end of said at least one connector being structured to be received within a corresponding one of said apertures defined in said first, second, third or fourth sides of said frame of another of said display modules such that said plurality of display modules will hang symmetrically when said at least one of said display modules is mounted on the vertical surface.
 10. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said plurality of display modules further comprises a pane, said pane being structured to be positioned between said backing member and said frame when said backing member is attached to said frame such that said pane covers the at least one item positioned on said first side of said backing member when the at least one item is displayed through said interior of said frame.
 11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said pane is formed from a material that is transparent or translucent.
 12. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said frame is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, and metal.
 13. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said backing member is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, and metal.
 14. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said display modules further comprises matting positioned adjacent said first side of said backing member.
 15. An apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said matting comprises an affinity theme corresponding to the at least one item.
 16. An apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said matting is secured to said backing member.
 17. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said display modules further comprises a bung for each of said apertures defined in said first, second, third and fourth sides of said frame that does not receive a corresponding one of said first or second ends of said at least one connector.
 18. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said at least one connector comprises a chain.
 19. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said first and second ends of said at least one connector comprises a hook having a threaded portion structured to threadably engage said corresponding aperture.
 20. An apparatus for displaying items on a vertical surface, comprising: a plurality of display modules, each of said display modules comprising: a frame, said frame defining first, second, third and fourth sides and an interior therebetween, each of said first, second, third and fourth sides defining at least one aperture; and a backing member, said backing member being attached to said frame, said backing member defining first and second sides, wherein at least one item can be positioned on said first side of said backing member such that the at least one item is displayed through said interior of said frame when said backing member is attached to said frame; a pane, said pane being structured to be positioned between said backing member and said frame when said backing member is attached to said frame such that said pane covers the at least one item positioned on said first side of said backing member when the at least one item is displayed through said interior of said frame; wherein at least one of said display modules is structured to be mounted on the vertical surface; a plurality of connectors, each of said plurality of connectors defining first and second ends, said first end of each of said plurality of connectors being structured to be received within a corresponding one of said apertures defined in said first, second, third or fourth sides of said frame of one of said plurality of display modules, said second end of each of said plurality of connectors being structured to be received within a corresponding one of said apertures defined in said first, second, third or fourth sides of said frame of another of said display modules such that said plurality of frames will hang symmetrically when said at least one of said display modules is mounted on the vertical surface; and wherein each of said plurality of display modules further comprises a plurality of bungs, said bungs being structured to be received within a corresponding one of said apertures defined in said first, second, third and fourth sides of said frame that does not receive a corresponding one of said first or second ends of said plurality of connectors. 